Thanks to Tanja for this report from the recent event at Frank James Hospital. Ed
Firstly, thank you to the Vintage Cyclists for bringing their beautiful bikes – and costumes – to the grounds on Sunday 14th September – they really looked marvellous and in absolute keeping with the building.
Thank you also to Brightstone Barnacles and Guith for entertaining us with their wonderful Shanties and Morris Dancing in their lovely costumes. It was great to hear good music echoing against the walls of Frank James, adding to the jolly atmosphere of this late Summer Fete.
The Friends are very grateful too for the cakes brought by Mrs Jones who runs ‘Mrs Jones’ Tea Depot’, as well as the refreshments made by many others.
A success
The day was a great success with a steady stream of people coming to see the building and the grounds all day long.
An estimated 100 people came along, many with fond memories of a much loved Cottage Hospital. Others came because they had never seen the building close-up before and they all expressed their concern about the its future.
Donations were made and help from many new faces has been promised. The Friends are hopeful that this will finally get owners and Council to realise how much loved the building is by people from all over the Island (and beyond).
Thanks to councillors
Finally, it was good to see Cllr Stephens Stubbings and Cllr Luisa Hillard join us for the celebration of our Heritage and our wish is now that, together with the owners, a good solution can be found for the future of Frank James.
This building has such potential and it is scandalous to let it stand and rot, something which was constantly pointed out by the visitors and a topic that will be further explored at the Stop The Rot Day, arranged by English Heritage on Friday 26th of September at Northwood House.
Thanks to Josh Aitken for this gallery of photos below. Click on the images to see larger versions.
